Sunday, November 25, 2007

Paper Possibilities



We finished hanging our paper chains today and then had all of these extra strips of luscious, cut patterned paper all over the table. I quickly came up with more paper crafts. The guys weren't as excited as I was at the prospect of working with paper again, but as soon as I started they found themselves drawn to the table for hours, while they were taking a break from the trampoline and game cube. This paper is that persuasive. Here's a sample (though my picture doesn't do it justice.) I gave up on getting a great picture of the paper chains. You'll just have to visit and see them in person.

We had learned on Friday, at the High Museum, how to make paper beads. You tightly wind thin, triangular pieces of paper around a dowel and then glue the ends down. The coolest part is that you can take this one step further and make them look like glass beads by rolling them on an embossing ink pad, coating them in embossing powder and then heating them with a heat gun (all of which I happily happen to have)to create a "glass" coating. Gillen loved this project and made two sets of beads. Here, he is rolling a bead on the dowel.

We listened to more of "Little Town on the Prairie" and I made some Christmas cards. I was in bliss.

Later, my paper passion still ignited, I continued - with an old Christmas origami kit that I remembered my dad giving the kids many years ago and that I was able to find. I created many cranes (tried a reindeer but it turned out to be too advanced for me, yet) while we watched "March of the Penguins". The cranes kind of look like the penguins. They need to be flying from fishing wire, or at least higher up, on a mantle.

I still haven't cleaned the table. So tomorrow holds yet more paper possibility. Though, we do have my father in law and his wife coming the next day so maybe I need to switch gears.

10 comments:

Deanne said...

I've been wanting to try paper beads for a while now. You have inspired me to actually do it! Thanks! ;)

Rachel said...

Thanks for reminding me I have got to get back down to the High.

Just wanted you to know I have tagged you. Go to my blog's latest post and you will see what I mean.

Participate only if you want. It's kind of fun to sit and think of just 7 things about yourself, tho.

mindy said...

I LOVE paper beads! And I want to do some paper chains...Thanks!

Unknown said...

sounds like bliss! its raining today, no work. I must get off this computer and start cutting and gluing something..or perhaps bake? ohhhh the possibilties

Madeline Rains said...

So glad to have fellow paper passion people out there. I wish we could all do it together. I loved crafting with you Persephone, that long ago Thanksgiving. Your talent is so inspiring.

hahamommy said...

Guess what I just found?!?! My Paper Stash!! :D We're making chains tonight!
If you plunk your company down around such great inspiration and wonderful paper samples, they'll be up to their elbows in no time - at least *I* would :D Soon you'll be boasting *International Decor* ;)

Tamar Orvell said...

seeing the FLOR in your paper pix reminds me that today i felt v smart and showed off my FLOR knowledge (gained from your blog posts). a friend redoing their basement top to bottom has chosen: (sound the trumpets) FLOR. and then i jumped in ready to send your URLs where FLOR is covered (couldn't resist). alas, she trumped me. she has worked for interface, maker of FLOR, and had lots o say. on and on and i felt, floored w my puny vicarious knowledge. though i was almost smart AND helpful —all courtesy of your florid FLOR stor(ies).

Madeline Rains said...

You guys rule. I love the images that come up for me, Diana, when I imagine my father in law and his wife creating with paper and glue. They would probably create something practical to help winterize my house.

I think they will appreciate the FLOR more than the paper chains. My FIL is wonderfully industrious and practical, like his son, and doesn't farm so has more time.

Gina said...

Lovely paper creations! Brings back memories of my sister & I making paper bead bracelets as kids.. p.s. love your choice of music too! :O)

Angie said...

The pictures of your home give me such a warm feeling - love the colors!

I have never tried origami, but your pictures make me want to give it a whirl.

It sounds like you had a great day.